Learning About Overactive Thyroid and Treatments

When an individual has an overactive thyroid they are diagnosed with “Hyperthyroidism.” This condition is an abnormal problem dealing with the thyroid, it causes it to produce too much of the hormone thyroxine. This results in a number of symptoms and conditions. This is the opposite of an underactive thyroid, which slows the metabolism and causes weight gain. Since the thyroid regulates hormones in your body that control nearly every aspect of your health, it makes a huge impact if a thyroid condition develops.

Symptoms of Having an Overactive Thyroid

An Overactive Thyroid presents a multitude of symptoms that may resemble other medical disorders, making it difficult to pinpoint whether or not a person truly has a thyroid disorder. The first symptom to be on the watch for is dramatic weight loss. While some people may welcome this, it can be a serious sign of a disturbed hormonal balance. Sudden weight loss can be host to several other problems as well because it overworks the body organs such as the heart, kidneys, bladder and more.

Rapid heart beat, jitteriness, and sweating are three basic symptoms associated with thyroid problems. You may feel shaky and uneasy, as well as like you need to constantly move around. Changes in menstrual problems are a major indicator of the condition as well. A person that has an overactive thyroid may also begin being unable to tolerate heat. This can lead to cases of heat stroke even within normal conditions within the home.

Muscle weakness, sleep disorders, and a large swelling at the base of your neck are all symptoms of having an overactive thyroid. It can also cause difficulty with thinking. All of these effects can cause a wide range of feelings in anyone that has the disorder. Depression could also occur because of the sudden hormonal changes within the body.

Causes of Hyperthyroid Disorder

Graves’s disease may look frightening to some people, but it is not just an aesthetic problem, but a painful condition as well. Grave’s disease causes bulging or buggy eyes, redness and swelling around the eyes, discomfort, and painful vision. A person with this disorder may have difficulty going in sunlight for extended periods of time.

Iodine can also cause a thyroid condition. The human body wasn’t made to process large amounts of this chemical, therefore too much can be damaging to the thyroid. Not enough iodine can also cause defects. It is important to have a healthy diet that includes the right range of iodine within it.

Viral infections and sickness can cause swelling in the neck and thyroid. If this happens often and severely enough to someone, then a thyroid condition can develop. Underlying conditions which cause hormonal imbalances could also trigger hyperthyroidism.

Women can develop a hyperthyroid condition after giving birth that may cause future problems with birthing. This happens to around 7% of women and isn’t fatal, but can be harmful to the reproductive system. This can also be triggered by increased estrogen levels and other hormonal imbalances such as with the use of birth control which could trigger hyperthyroidism.

Diagnosis of Thyroid Disorders

To properly diagnose an individual for hyperthyroid disorder, they must undergo a series of blood tests and exams. Accurate diagnosis is an important step towards recover. The sooner the patient is diagnosed, the better off they are. These blood tests will determine the amount of hormones within the blood and how they interact with the body. They can pinpoint several different hormonal imbalances which could be linked to hyperthyroidism.

Test results will usually indicate that the thyroid hormone is low or higher than needed. The T3 and free T4 will be higher than normal. Cholesterol, glucose, B-12, and Triglycerides will be abnormal and may indicate a thyroid condition. If thyroid disorders run in your family it is important to get checked routinely for the disorder. Women are more likely to develop an overactive thyroid and they should be checked regularly for symptoms. Having preexisting conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and other ailments could cause stress on the body which in turn could trigger thyroid disorders which could develop into hyperthyroidism.

Luckily thyroid disorders are very easily treated with modern technology. Patients that have severe cases of overactive thyroid may experience sickness and other unpleasant symptoms, but even then it is rarely life threatening. The only time it can become dangerous is when the patient experiences a rapidly worsening condition. Treatment can come in various forms depending on how severe the condition is for the person.

Treatment Options for those With Hyperthyroidism

There are a number of treatments available. When treated quickly enough a thyroid condition isn’t usually destructive, but it does require careful treatment of symptoms. Anti-thyroid medication is the number one way to treat a thyroid problem. This is usually the first stage of any treatment process so that the doctor can accurately gauge the severity of the condition and what else may be done. These medications are referred to as “Beta Blockers” and there are different pill options for people in the US and the UK.

Radioactive treatment may also be used to prevent excess hormones from being created. This treatment has a lot of other side effects as well, so patients must always ask questions before undergoing treatment. There are some alternatives if the patient prefers not to undergo any radioactive therapy. Radioactive treatments can also cause a wide range of side effects as severe as cancers in some cases.

Surgery can remove the thyroid as well, but this also poses a large number of risks. If you undergo surgery for removal of the thyroid, the patient must remain on hormone therapy medications for the remainder of their life. These hormones are also packed with side effects that range from hair loss to depression. As any patient can imagine, that is a costly and complicated treatment option. Removals are usually done as a last resort and only if 100% necessary. Surgery takes an entire day or more in a hospital, and also requires down time to recover. Missing hormone supplements can also cause a wide range of complications for those who undergo surgery.

Treatment for the symptoms a person experiences with this condition are also available. There are shots and medications to control rapid heart beat and other unpleasant symptoms. These medications must be chosen by an experienced doctor. Some medications interact negatively with hyperthyroidism and may cause more severe problems. It is important to explain any and all concerns you have when you are taking treatments with your doctor.

Living With Hyperthyroidism

If you have hyperthyroidism you know how difficult it can be to live with a thyroid that produces too many hormones. You may feel unsure of yourself and even self conscious due to weight loss and an inability to gain weight. Living with hyperthyroidism is possible with a treatment plan designed specifically for you. A doctor can help answer all of your questions to get you on the right path to treatment and good health. The prognosis of most hyperthyroid patients comes with a positive outlook and can be treated through a variety of means. Make sure to look for help whenever you have concerns.

Thyromine is a health supplement that helps provide nutrition to the thyroid gland to help it function healthily. Thyromine can help treat both under and over active thyroid problems.

Thyromine was originally created because researchers found that the thyroid gland often had issues that it could reverse on its own if it were getting the proper nutrition it needed. The nutrition that thyroid glands need is amino acids, iodine and vitamins and minerals found in vegetables. Thyromine is a complete supplement that provides all the nutrients the thyroid gland needs.

Your Thyroid – Where Is It And What Does It Do?

The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland located in the base of your throat, below your voice box. Thyroid tissue is secretes 2 hormones that regulate metabolism. These hormones are thyroid thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Most people assume that metabolism is about the gastrointestinal tract and yes, it is. But it’s also about cellular metabolism. This is how your cells get fuel to produce the energy needed for cellular functions.

Thyroid hormones play an integral regulatory role in this process. Every cell in your body has thyroid hormone (TH) receptors. This means they ALL need TH at some point to function.

Abnormal Thyroid Hormone Production

Most of the hormone produced by the thyroid is T4 (around 80%) and the rest is T3. The body can’t use T4 so it’s converted to the more metabolically active T3 elsewhere in the body. T3 is then used to regulate a myriad of metabolic processes at cellular level.

When you have low thyroxine levels (T4) it means you’ll also have low levels of T3. This type of thyroid imbalance causes serious health problems. For a start, it means processes like insulin mediated glucose uptake are impaired. Glucose is your body’s primary source of cellular fuel. If your cells can’t get enough glucose to generate energy, they can’t function correctly. That in turn means you won’t function very well!

The Many Different Thyroid Problems

The power factories in cells (mitochondria) also need TH. TH ensures they receive enough glucose to produce energy. It also regulates the generation of new mitochondria. Without enough TH cells can’t produce new power factories to replace old ones as they die off. That’s on top of not getting enough fuel to produce energy!

This is why low TH levels can affect every major system and organ in your body. Blood circulation and pressure. Heart health. Body temperature. Mood and neurological function. Skin health and so on. They all rely on having healthy, functioning cells. But without correct cellular metabolism happening, they can’t be healthy. And that has disastrous consequences for your health!

Hypothyroidism – Low Thyroid Hormone Disorder

Serious thyroid deficiency disease, or hypothyroidism, affects around 2 to 3% of Americans. A further 10 – 15% have some form of subclinical hypothyroid disorder. Some experts believe the true figure is more like 80 – 90%! This makes hypothyroidism the most common of all thyroid conditions in humans.

Common Thyroid Syndrome Symptoms

Hypothyroidism causes symptoms that range from being almost undetectable to life threatening. It depends on the stage the disease is at. There is a list of the most common problems due to thyroid malfunction here.

Causes Of Thyroid Dysfunction

Many things can cause thyroid dysfunction. Iodine deficiency remains the leading cause of hypothyroidism in developing countries. In developed countries it’s Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Other causes include thyroid tumors as well as pituitary and hypothalamus disorders. Radioactive treatment and some types of drugs are other common causes. Pregnancy is another. Menopausal women are also far more likely to develop this disorder than men.

Disclaimer: Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor. The Thyroid Guide does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by The Thyroid Guide are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.

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Are Thyroid Problems Common?

Thyroid function problems are relatively common. Thyroid hormone disease results from overactive or underactive thyroid function. Of these two, the underactive thyroid function disorder hypothyroidism is far more common. Around 2 – 3% of people in the US have diagnosed severe hypothyroidism. A further 10 – 15% have subclinical forms of the disease. Experts though believe that true thyroid system dysfunction figures are much higher. Some believe it could be as high as 80 – 90% of the population!

Common Thyroid Disorders And Diseases

Diseases related to thyroid disorders include Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. This is an autoimmune disease. It is the most widespread thyroid disorder in developed countries. It causes hypothyroidism. Other thyroid diseases and disorders include Graves Disease, the leading cause of hyperthyroidism. Thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, goiter and thyroiditis are other diseases of this gland.

Thyroid Functions And Problems

The thyroid produces 2 hormones that regulate metabolism. The hormones are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Problems in thyroid hormone production affect the entire body. Thyroid hormone controls metabolic function and energy production, right down to cellular level. When cells can’t get enough raw materials to produce energy, they can’t function correctly. This leads to problems with blood circulation. Also heart function, mood, body temperature and more.

Thyroid Disease Symptoms And Treatment

Thyroid symptoms causes a range of associated health disorders. Poor blood circulation slows down distribution of nutrients and oxygen to cells. This exacerbates the problems caused by lack of thyroid hormones. It also slows down removal of toxins from cells, causing toxic build up. This in turn sets off inflammation. A slow down in cellular metabolism causes lack of energy and sluggishness. It also contributes to a drop in basal temperature. This is the underlying mechanism for the characteristic hypothyroiditic low body temperature.

Thyroid hormones are involved in the production of important mood regulating neurotransmitters. Low levels of TH cause imbalances in these neurotransmitters. This affects mood. And contributes to the depression that so often comes with hypothyroidism. Which in turn contributes to stress and anxiety. And to the cascade of health problems that come with those.

Can Thyroid Disorders Be Treated Successfully?

Treatment for underactive thyroid disorders is with thyroid hormone replacement drugs. When taken according to instructions, most patients live normal, healthy lives.

Nonthyroidal Illness Syndrome (NTI)

Sometimes patients without thyroid-based illness will return abnormal results in thyroid function tests. This is Euthyroid sick syndrome or an NTI. Most patient recover full thyroid function once the NTI has passed.

Thyroid Symptoms Treatment

If you have thyroid issue symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even though many symptoms are common to a range of other health conditions, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Most countries have official organizations that provide information and advice about thyroid conditions. There are also charities like Thyroid UK that offer support for people that have thyroid and similar disorders.